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Viking notes... (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter reg
- Start date
Good pickup. Harris will be the starting LB for the Vikings. Coach Tomlin is impressed with his attitude, and ability to run the D on the field.
Jene Bramel
Footballguy
It looks like Harris is impressing the coaches but I'm not sold yet. If it's not motivational encouragement for a guy that has said many times that he prefers to play outside, then I think you have to start wondering about EJ having a starting role.
Greenway is going to play at some point. He was handpicked to play the Will according to the post draft comments from the coaching staff and Henderson is no Derrick Brooks. I wouldn't count EJ out of the MLB battle yet, but every week that goes by where he's getting more reps at WLB than in the middle makes it more and more likely Harris becomes the man.
New coaching staff, but all these guys (including Cowart) played musical backers last year. I still think the big picture look is that the long term Mike is not on this roster yet. Harris could surprise but I wouldn't plan to rely on him over any significant length of time.
Greenway is going to play at some point. He was handpicked to play the Will according to the post draft comments from the coaching staff and Henderson is no Derrick Brooks. I wouldn't count EJ out of the MLB battle yet, but every week that goes by where he's getting more reps at WLB than in the middle makes it more and more likely Harris becomes the man.
New coaching staff, but all these guys (including Cowart) played musical backers last year. I still think the big picture look is that the long term Mike is not on this roster yet. Harris could surprise but I wouldn't plan to rely on him over any significant length of time.
brakeyawself
Footballguy
Tank Williams out for year. 
Saturday:
-Chester Taylor did not practice today after suffering an undisclosed injury last night. No word on when he'll be back, but the coaching staff indicated he's going to have some tests run and go from there.
The big news today is the injury suffered by S Tank Williams. Just as the team was wrapping up it's first session with full contact, Williams was seen on the ground clutching his left knee, the same knee he tore the ACL in. Williams could not put any weight on the leg and had to be carted off. No one seems sure how or when the injury occured, but as you'd expect there is much concern.
"Injury happens all the time in this league, we all accept that,"said S Dwight Smith. "I hope to God Tank can bounce back. Great guy, incredible football player and hopefully he'll get better."
If the injury is serious it could help a guy like Willie Offord make the team. Offord has been pushed by rookie S Greg Blue and could be in danger of not making the team.
-Rookie Chad Greenway had to leave practice about an hour early after it looked like he got his bell rung. He seemed in good spriits, and I fully expect him to be out there tomorrow.
-Fred Smoot was at the center of several plays today. On one he broke up a pass intended for WR Jason Carter, cutting in front and batting it off Carter's hands.
Later, during full contact work, Smoot found himself filling a running lane against RB Ciatrick Fason, only to be shook to the ground by Fason. Smoot would get Fason back however, taking him to the ground in open space later in the full contact work.
-The usual suspects showed up in the full contact work. Dwight Smith laid a few people out, as did S Greg Blue and LB E.J. Henderson. Blue and Henderson did a great job filling the lanes and stopping the run. Henderson also blew up a screen play and got the big pat on the helmet from defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin.
-Speaking of left tackle, Bryant McKinnie, who dropped Erasmus James early in camp, had the tables turned on him. During one-on-one drills, James put a spin move on the big man that drew hoots from the D-line coach.
-S Will Hunter continues to perform, collecting a nice INT off a tipped pass. He probably won't make the team, but he has shown well in camp so far.
-CB Dustin Fox has taken a step back in his efforts the past few days. He is still playing hard, but mistakes during special teams work as well as the improving play of Ronyell Whitaker is quickly putting Fox behind the 8-ball.
Sunday:
-DT Kevin Williams sat out today's session with swelling in his right knee. Williams has had problems with the knee ever since he left college, so the team is trying to be extra careful with him.
With both Kevin and Pat Williams out, it was Spencer Johnson and Rodd Kolodziej working with Kenechi Udeze and Erasmus James on the starting defensive line.
Coach Childress did indicate that Pat should be back in a few days.
-Chad Greenway suffered a concussion yesterday, and today was held out of the morning workout. Coach Childress indicated that he was taking the necessary steps to return and he expected Greenway to be out on the field for this afternoon's special teams practice.
The loss of Tank makes it just that much more important that the team was able to add Dwight Smith to the roster. Smith is becoming more and more vocal at practice and he'll now be looked to as the guy at safety.
"Dwight probably doesn't get enough credit," said QB Brad Johnson. "He calls himself the 'Real MVP' for the two INTs down there in the Super Bowl. He's a head-hunter, knows how to play the game, very smart especially in this system."
Some O notes:
-Chester Taylor was in uniform today after missing yesterday's sessions with a groin injury, however he barely particiapted and was seen riding off on the backof a golf cart after practice.
"Chester Taylor is still tender in the groin area," said Childress. "We want to make sure he treats that up and takes care of that before he gets back out on the field."
Back to D:
-Yesterday I told you about my favorite drill, the pursuit drill. Today DE Darrion Scott took it to another level, going full out Superman through the tackling dummies piled up on the sideline. The Russian judge gave him a 5.3, but I'm willing to give the guy at least an 8.5. The landing was a little rough, but his form was top notch.
-Some personnel talk, E.J. Henderson and Napoleon Harris are in on nickel defense and Devonte Edwards is the third CB. It's obviously very early in the process, but for now that's how it's shaking out.
-Before the team went to full contact there was one big hit, delivered by DE Erasmus James. Travis Taylor caught a ball across the middle and started to pull up, only to have James lay him out. Taylor refused the help up from James, clearly not appreciating the hit.
-I said earlier in this post that Devonte Edwards was the thrid CB, but he is getting a strong push from Cedric Griffin. Griffin plays hard and is always around the ball, that should be a good battle to watch in the pre-season games.
Saturday:
-Chester Taylor did not practice today after suffering an undisclosed injury last night. No word on when he'll be back, but the coaching staff indicated he's going to have some tests run and go from there.
The big news today is the injury suffered by S Tank Williams. Just as the team was wrapping up it's first session with full contact, Williams was seen on the ground clutching his left knee, the same knee he tore the ACL in. Williams could not put any weight on the leg and had to be carted off. No one seems sure how or when the injury occured, but as you'd expect there is much concern.
"Injury happens all the time in this league, we all accept that,"said S Dwight Smith. "I hope to God Tank can bounce back. Great guy, incredible football player and hopefully he'll get better."
If the injury is serious it could help a guy like Willie Offord make the team. Offord has been pushed by rookie S Greg Blue and could be in danger of not making the team.
-Rookie Chad Greenway had to leave practice about an hour early after it looked like he got his bell rung. He seemed in good spriits, and I fully expect him to be out there tomorrow.
-Fred Smoot was at the center of several plays today. On one he broke up a pass intended for WR Jason Carter, cutting in front and batting it off Carter's hands.
Later, during full contact work, Smoot found himself filling a running lane against RB Ciatrick Fason, only to be shook to the ground by Fason. Smoot would get Fason back however, taking him to the ground in open space later in the full contact work.
-The usual suspects showed up in the full contact work. Dwight Smith laid a few people out, as did S Greg Blue and LB E.J. Henderson. Blue and Henderson did a great job filling the lanes and stopping the run. Henderson also blew up a screen play and got the big pat on the helmet from defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin.
-Speaking of left tackle, Bryant McKinnie, who dropped Erasmus James early in camp, had the tables turned on him. During one-on-one drills, James put a spin move on the big man that drew hoots from the D-line coach.
-S Will Hunter continues to perform, collecting a nice INT off a tipped pass. He probably won't make the team, but he has shown well in camp so far.
-CB Dustin Fox has taken a step back in his efforts the past few days. He is still playing hard, but mistakes during special teams work as well as the improving play of Ronyell Whitaker is quickly putting Fox behind the 8-ball.
Sunday:
-DT Kevin Williams sat out today's session with swelling in his right knee. Williams has had problems with the knee ever since he left college, so the team is trying to be extra careful with him.
With both Kevin and Pat Williams out, it was Spencer Johnson and Rodd Kolodziej working with Kenechi Udeze and Erasmus James on the starting defensive line.
Coach Childress did indicate that Pat should be back in a few days.
-Chad Greenway suffered a concussion yesterday, and today was held out of the morning workout. Coach Childress indicated that he was taking the necessary steps to return and he expected Greenway to be out on the field for this afternoon's special teams practice.
The loss of Tank makes it just that much more important that the team was able to add Dwight Smith to the roster. Smith is becoming more and more vocal at practice and he'll now be looked to as the guy at safety.
"Dwight probably doesn't get enough credit," said QB Brad Johnson. "He calls himself the 'Real MVP' for the two INTs down there in the Super Bowl. He's a head-hunter, knows how to play the game, very smart especially in this system."
Some O notes:
-Chester Taylor was in uniform today after missing yesterday's sessions with a groin injury, however he barely particiapted and was seen riding off on the backof a golf cart after practice.
"Chester Taylor is still tender in the groin area," said Childress. "We want to make sure he treats that up and takes care of that before he gets back out on the field."
Back to D:
-Yesterday I told you about my favorite drill, the pursuit drill. Today DE Darrion Scott took it to another level, going full out Superman through the tackling dummies piled up on the sideline. The Russian judge gave him a 5.3, but I'm willing to give the guy at least an 8.5. The landing was a little rough, but his form was top notch.
-Some personnel talk, E.J. Henderson and Napoleon Harris are in on nickel defense and Devonte Edwards is the third CB. It's obviously very early in the process, but for now that's how it's shaking out.
-Before the team went to full contact there was one big hit, delivered by DE Erasmus James. Travis Taylor caught a ball across the middle and started to pull up, only to have James lay him out. Taylor refused the help up from James, clearly not appreciating the hit.
-I said earlier in this post that Devonte Edwards was the thrid CB, but he is getting a strong push from Cedric Griffin. Griffin plays hard and is always around the ball, that should be a good battle to watch in the pre-season games.
redman
Footballguy
I'd be shocked if Henderson remains in the nickel package if he wins the MLB job.EDIT- I just read reg's post; where does everyone think these guys are going to end up? I think Greenway was drafted too high not to be tried as a starter this year, but it's a toss up as to whether he starts at the beginning of the season. Does Harris have the MLB locked down? Is Henderson going to be the Mike?
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Beaumont
Footballguy
All I know is that when I stroll along the Vikes message boards, they seem to be of the opinion that Henderson and Harris are slow in comparison and most certainly do not have "elite speed". Everyone seems to agree Dontarrious Thomas does have elite speed, but lacks as a football player.
If Harris and Henderson are 3 down MLB and WLB respectively, whew ... thats value right there folks ...
If Harris and Henderson are 3 down MLB and WLB respectively, whew ... thats value right there folks ...
Renegades of Funk
Footballguy
Sirius is at Minny Camp today. Sean Jenson of the Pioneer Press was on and he had some interesting comments.
1. EJ Henderson has been the MVP of the team thus far and may keep Greenway off the field.
2. Chester Taylor has not been very impressive and he mentioned MM has looked good.
1. EJ Henderson has been the MVP of the team thus far and may keep Greenway off the field.
2. Chester Taylor has not been very impressive and he mentioned MM has looked good.
-In one-on-one drills, C Matt Birk planted Pat Williams, showing Williams' rust. That should be expected over the next week or so.
-There was not supposed to be any live hitting going on, however E.J. Henderson did not get the memo. He crushed FB Tony Richardson, only to have Richardson bounce back up in appreciation of the hard play. Looks like Tony missed the hitting during his little trip to Canton.
-Fred Smoot was at the top of his game today, covering up well all day. He could have had an INT if not for a great defensive play by WR Ryan Hoag.
-The kick returners had a tough day as both Darren Sharper and Mewlede Moore muffed kicks. Moore took one off his facemask, while Sharper just plain dropped them. I wouldn't expect to see a lot of Sharper in that role however.
-The other news of the day was an appearance by several free agents that showed up and were put through their paces on the side. No one would confirm who they were, but it looks like the team is looking for a replacement on the roster for Tank Williams. Not that one of them would even make the team, but clearly the front office is always searching for talent.
-Rookie S Greg Blue has been a standout thus far, but did find himself burned by WR Chris Jones in the end zone. Blue made up for it though making a great read on a play and getting love from his teammates and defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin.
-With Pat out, it was Ross Kolodziej taking his spot. Today with Kevin Williams not on the field, it was Spencer Johnson working with the #1 defense in Kevin's spot.
-Pat Williams was back in pads today, and while the team did not do full contact work, he looks good and should be ready to go full speed very soon.
-His interior mate, Kevin Williams, missed another practice today with swelling in that right knee. The team hopes to have him back soon, but will not rush him under any circumstances.
-Chad Greenway was also back after suffering a concussion the other day, he looked sharp and showed no ill effects from the injury.
For now these are all just KFAN reports. Occassionally I will go over to one of the other blogs, but this one seems to be doing very well. I really miss Mr. Cheer or Die not having his this year.
-There was not supposed to be any live hitting going on, however E.J. Henderson did not get the memo. He crushed FB Tony Richardson, only to have Richardson bounce back up in appreciation of the hard play. Looks like Tony missed the hitting during his little trip to Canton.
-Fred Smoot was at the top of his game today, covering up well all day. He could have had an INT if not for a great defensive play by WR Ryan Hoag.
-The kick returners had a tough day as both Darren Sharper and Mewlede Moore muffed kicks. Moore took one off his facemask, while Sharper just plain dropped them. I wouldn't expect to see a lot of Sharper in that role however.
-The other news of the day was an appearance by several free agents that showed up and were put through their paces on the side. No one would confirm who they were, but it looks like the team is looking for a replacement on the roster for Tank Williams. Not that one of them would even make the team, but clearly the front office is always searching for talent.
-Rookie S Greg Blue has been a standout thus far, but did find himself burned by WR Chris Jones in the end zone. Blue made up for it though making a great read on a play and getting love from his teammates and defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin.
-With Pat out, it was Ross Kolodziej taking his spot. Today with Kevin Williams not on the field, it was Spencer Johnson working with the #1 defense in Kevin's spot.
-Pat Williams was back in pads today, and while the team did not do full contact work, he looks good and should be ready to go full speed very soon.
-His interior mate, Kevin Williams, missed another practice today with swelling in that right knee. The team hopes to have him back soon, but will not rush him under any circumstances.
-Chad Greenway was also back after suffering a concussion the other day, he looked sharp and showed no ill effects from the injury.
For now these are all just KFAN reports. Occassionally I will go over to one of the other blogs, but this one seems to be doing very well. I really miss Mr. Cheer or Die not having his this year.
brakeyawself
Footballguy
tuesday morn:
On the other side of the ball, the defense put on a clinic today. It was the first time the starting front four practiced all together with the return of Kevin Williams, and they must have been excited to see one another because they got after it. Constant pressure was the theme as the 1st team defense completely shut down the offense on several occasions.
In one particularly inpressive stretch, the D-line sacked J.T. O'Sullivan and Mike McMahon on three consecutive downs. A lot is being written about just how good the offensive line should be, but I think there needs to be more attention given to the D-line. Sure they have health concerns up front, but when the four of them are together it is downright scary for the offense.
-The single most impressive guy at practice today had to be E.J. Henderson. He filled the holes and was blowing guys up left and right.
"He's having a great camp," said Antoine Winfield. "He's making a lot of plays for us, real aggressive. You just watch on film and he looks like a man among boys. He's hitting the fullback, getting in the backfield. Just making a lot of plays for us."
Right now Henderson is taking the necessary steps to keep himself in front of rookie Chad Greenway at weak side LB.
-CB Devonte Edwards was back on the field today after aggrivating his groin yesterday.
-E.J. Henderson is stealing the headlines, but quietly Dontarrious Thomas is having a nice camp. Today he picked off Brad Johnson in the end zone after correctly diagnosing a play action pass.
On the other side of the ball, the defense put on a clinic today. It was the first time the starting front four practiced all together with the return of Kevin Williams, and they must have been excited to see one another because they got after it. Constant pressure was the theme as the 1st team defense completely shut down the offense on several occasions.
In one particularly inpressive stretch, the D-line sacked J.T. O'Sullivan and Mike McMahon on three consecutive downs. A lot is being written about just how good the offensive line should be, but I think there needs to be more attention given to the D-line. Sure they have health concerns up front, but when the four of them are together it is downright scary for the offense.
-The single most impressive guy at practice today had to be E.J. Henderson. He filled the holes and was blowing guys up left and right.
"He's having a great camp," said Antoine Winfield. "He's making a lot of plays for us, real aggressive. You just watch on film and he looks like a man among boys. He's hitting the fullback, getting in the backfield. Just making a lot of plays for us."
Right now Henderson is taking the necessary steps to keep himself in front of rookie Chad Greenway at weak side LB.
-CB Devonte Edwards was back on the field today after aggrivating his groin yesterday.
-E.J. Henderson is stealing the headlines, but quietly Dontarrious Thomas is having a nice camp. Today he picked off Brad Johnson in the end zone after correctly diagnosing a play action pass.
Sharper limited
S Darren Sharper is in uniform, with pads on. But his starting spot has been filled by backup Willie Offord in every full-team drill.
Dead legs
The grueling camp is taking its toll. In a drill that stresses each defensive player racing to the ball, the starters got two thumbs down and had to do the drill three consecutive times. What makes the drill hard is the running back sweeps outside to one sideline and every defensive player must get to the runner, including the cornerback who starts on the opposite side of the field.
S Darren Sharper is in uniform, with pads on. But his starting spot has been filled by backup Willie Offord in every full-team drill.
Dead legs
The grueling camp is taking its toll. In a drill that stresses each defensive player racing to the ball, the starters got two thumbs down and had to do the drill three consecutive times. What makes the drill hard is the running back sweeps outside to one sideline and every defensive player must get to the runner, including the cornerback who starts on the opposite side of the field.
Two quotes today.
1) Judd Zulgad, of the Star-Tribune, reports Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress has made it clear LB E.J. Henderson is the starter at weakside linebacker. LB Chad Greenway will be the backup.
2) Vikings LB E.J. Henderson has reportedly been the best Vikings defender in training camp, holding off rookie Chad Greenway for the starting job.
Impact: Henderson has been the subject of multiple glowing local pieces and could finally be ready to capitilize on his talents. He will stay at weak-side linebacker for now, making him an interesting IDP player to watch.
1) Judd Zulgad, of the Star-Tribune, reports Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress has made it clear LB E.J. Henderson is the starter at weakside linebacker. LB Chad Greenway will be the backup.
2) Vikings LB E.J. Henderson has reportedly been the best Vikings defender in training camp, holding off rookie Chad Greenway for the starting job.
Impact: Henderson has been the subject of multiple glowing local pieces and could finally be ready to capitilize on his talents. He will stay at weak-side linebacker for now, making him an interesting IDP player to watch.
Wednesday morning, bumps and bruises
For all the people who think it's a bad idea to have physical practices this early in the year, consider the injuries that have taken place so far.
Tank Williams fractures a knee cap, non-contact injury. Charles Gordon blows out a knee, no one even touched him. Things happen out there, and to think that keeping the guys from hitting one another is going to prevent it is just wrong.
Yesterday there was a session of full contact, live practice, and no one came up lame. Today they run light contact and 7-on-7 for the most part, and a whole bunch of guys get nicked up. Ciatrick Fason leaves with a concussion, Marcus Robinson comes off with a neck injury, and Bryant McKinnie hurts his hand. Robinson returned, but McKinnie did not. However McKinnie indicated that he was fine and really didn't know what the problem was.
Darren Sharper also dressed but did not participate, suffering from a hamstring injury. The coaching staff isn't sure when he'll be back, but it looks like holding both Sharper and Robinson out was more to be cautious than anything.
-Even without full contact, you can see the defense getting better and better every day. They are flying around, creating confusion and turnovers. Today Willie Offord got and INT off a tipped pass, Dustin Fox picked off Brad Johnson and returned it for a TD and LB Kyle McKenzie got a pick six off Tarvaris Jackson.
"The thing I like to harp on is that you seize the opportunities when they present themselves," said defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin. "Some games are going to be like that. You're going to have opportunities, you gotta close it out."
-On special teams the team installed the swinging gate for extra points. For those who are not familiar, it's basically when the center, holder and kicker line up in their normal spots, while the rest of the line starts out off to one side. The idea is to shift quickly and keep the defense from setting up a block. A number of trick plays can be run from this formation as well.
-Fred Smoot had a strong day in coverage, putting the clamps on Troy Williamson more than a few times.
-DE Jayme Mitchell, who has had his run-ins with guys this camp, bull rushed Ryan Cook during individual drills and almost knocked him over. Cook is pretty tall and is going to have to work hard to play with a lower pad level than he does now.
Afternoon practice was cancelled today, so check back tomorrow for more coverage.
For all the people who think it's a bad idea to have physical practices this early in the year, consider the injuries that have taken place so far.
Tank Williams fractures a knee cap, non-contact injury. Charles Gordon blows out a knee, no one even touched him. Things happen out there, and to think that keeping the guys from hitting one another is going to prevent it is just wrong.
Yesterday there was a session of full contact, live practice, and no one came up lame. Today they run light contact and 7-on-7 for the most part, and a whole bunch of guys get nicked up. Ciatrick Fason leaves with a concussion, Marcus Robinson comes off with a neck injury, and Bryant McKinnie hurts his hand. Robinson returned, but McKinnie did not. However McKinnie indicated that he was fine and really didn't know what the problem was.
Darren Sharper also dressed but did not participate, suffering from a hamstring injury. The coaching staff isn't sure when he'll be back, but it looks like holding both Sharper and Robinson out was more to be cautious than anything.
-Even without full contact, you can see the defense getting better and better every day. They are flying around, creating confusion and turnovers. Today Willie Offord got and INT off a tipped pass, Dustin Fox picked off Brad Johnson and returned it for a TD and LB Kyle McKenzie got a pick six off Tarvaris Jackson.
"The thing I like to harp on is that you seize the opportunities when they present themselves," said defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin. "Some games are going to be like that. You're going to have opportunities, you gotta close it out."
-On special teams the team installed the swinging gate for extra points. For those who are not familiar, it's basically when the center, holder and kicker line up in their normal spots, while the rest of the line starts out off to one side. The idea is to shift quickly and keep the defense from setting up a block. A number of trick plays can be run from this formation as well.
-Fred Smoot had a strong day in coverage, putting the clamps on Troy Williamson more than a few times.
-DE Jayme Mitchell, who has had his run-ins with guys this camp, bull rushed Ryan Cook during individual drills and almost knocked him over. Cook is pretty tall and is going to have to work hard to play with a lower pad level than he does now.
Afternoon practice was cancelled today, so check back tomorrow for more coverage.
-Darren Sharper looked to be back at full speed today, taking part in all the drills and live game action. He and Dwight Smith seem to play off each other well in the defensive backfield.
-Fred Smoot has raised his level the past few days, blanketing Troy Williamson in one-on-one drills as well as full team work.
-The defense again played well, sacking the QB and creating more turnovers. Camp standout E.J. Henderson made a great one-handed INT off a pass from Brad Johnson.
-In a possible sign of things to come, S Dwight Smith was up at the line of scrimmage jamming the slot receiver. That ability can only give defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin more options.
LB Napoleon Harris intercepted a Brad Johnson pass intended for TE Richard Angulo during a five on seven drill.
Not too much happening last couple days.
-Fred Smoot has raised his level the past few days, blanketing Troy Williamson in one-on-one drills as well as full team work.
-The defense again played well, sacking the QB and creating more turnovers. Camp standout E.J. Henderson made a great one-handed INT off a pass from Brad Johnson.
-In a possible sign of things to come, S Dwight Smith was up at the line of scrimmage jamming the slot receiver. That ability can only give defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin more options.
LB Napoleon Harris intercepted a Brad Johnson pass intended for TE Richard Angulo during a five on seven drill.
Not too much happening last couple days.
Renegades of Funk
Footballguy
Any word on how Mewelde Moore has looked in camp?
http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...t&p=5295827I will also post some quotes from him in that thread.
I keep this thread only about the defense.
houndirish
Footballguy
I've pretty much given up the thought ot drafting any Minnesota LB higher than LB4. Thsi situation is just way too muddled and seems to stay that way every year.
Hey Reg, is there any chance in hell that Darrion Scott outplays Udeze and wins the starting gig?
Hey Reg, is there any chance in hell that Darrion Scott outplays Udeze and wins the starting gig?
Buckle
Footballguy
I agree. I think however Henderson will probably end up playing both MLB and WLB depending how Harris does on the field or how quickley Greenaway is learning.
Highly doubtful unless Udeze gets hurt AGAIN this year. Scott will play some DT on passing downs though.Udeze has dropped 25 pounds since last season.
Nice article about him: http://www.startribune.com/510/story/605576.html
-Fred Smoot made a sweet pick during one-on-one drills, stepping in front of a ball from Tarvaris Jackson.-The most interesting matchup for me was S Willie Offord lined up one-on-one with Jermaine Wiggins who was split out wide. It's obviously a focus of the offense to dictate the action through motion and mismatches. Offord couldn't hold Wiggins, resorting to a blatent pass interference to break up the play.-I noticed rookie CB Cedric Griffin getting some time in place of Antoine Winfield with the 1st team defense. He has looked good for the most part, but shaky the last couple of days. This was probably a move to get his confidence back up, and it seemed to work as he made some nice reads, as well as a great diving pass breakup.-It's going to take a collapse of major proportions for E.J. Henderson to lose the starting spot at weak side linebacker. Everyday he comes out and does something that makes you think the guy has finally gotten it.Today he made a wonderful read on a pass in the flat, cut in front and picked it off. The INT sent defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin into the air with a flying fist pump.
Tick
Footballguy
This sounds like a really weird defense being set up for this season... great secondary, great DL, weak LBs. I wonder how teams will respond to that - tons of running at the young DEs, crossing routes against the LBs... hard to say. It does seem that if the Vikings can hold on first down, their DEs are primed to get a ton of sacks with Winfield/Smoot/Scott/Sharper giving them an extra second or two.
wannabee
Footballguy
Vikings | Leber not participating in nickel package
Published Fri Aug 11 10:37:00 p.m. ET 2006
(KFFL) Mike Wobschall, of Vikings.com, reports Minnesota Vikings LB Ben Leber is not participating in the team's nickel package. LB Napoleon Harris and LB E.J. Henderson are the two linebackers included in the package.
Published Fri Aug 11 10:37:00 p.m. ET 2006
(KFFL) Mike Wobschall, of Vikings.com, reports Minnesota Vikings LB Ben Leber is not participating in the team's nickel package. LB Napoleon Harris and LB E.J. Henderson are the two linebackers included in the package.
redman
Footballguy
If Henderson's emergence as a good LB are not an illusion, and if Greenway develops as hoped/planned, I think this is a respectable LB corps. Two "ifs" I know, but still.Tick said:
I should add that I happen to believe that if two of your three defensive units (line, LB's and DB's) are solid, you can have an effective defense, especially if one of those solid units is your D-line. And as far as fantasy goes, a defense with holes is a defense with opportunities. When LB's don't make tackles, then safeties typically do. 
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Weiner Dog
Footballguy
I'm on the fence about the LB crew for the Vikes. On paper, it would be difficult to find a more athletic grouping of LB's on any team. Seriously. However, they (the players and/or the coaching staff) cannot play NFL games with pieces of paper.Greenway and Harris were both 1st-rounders. Henderson and Thomas were both 2nd-rounders. If you dig deeper, you'll remember that Claiborne was a former 1st-rounder (Lions) while R Smith was a 2nd-rounder. Either the Vikes have terrible luck, or somebody is responsible for the 0-5 LB skid (Greenway obvously gets a pass) for former high-pick LB's playing poorly.With news of Henderson doing well in camp, plus a mini-resurgence of Nap Harris at MLB, I think we'll see the prior regime was responsible for the under-development of these guys.Tick said:
Achilles
Footballguy
I agree with you Weiner Dog. If Minnesota can get close to average play from their LB crew, the Vikes will have a top 7 defense this year.
-Fred Smoot missed practice today with a similar neck injury to that of WR Marcus Robinson. Smoot got tangled up during one-on-one drills yesterday and tweaked his neck and he may have to miss Monday night's pre-season opener.
"He was a lot better this morning than he was last night," said coach Childress. "So we'll see, again you always be cautious. It is the pre-season and if he's got something that's bugging him, we're not gonna put him out there."
If Smoot is unable to go, it'll be Devonte Edwards as the starter at CB.
-Bryant McKinnie had what looked to be a taped up boxing glove on today, trying to find something that works well enough for him to continue playing with the broken bone in his hand. He wasn't sure if that was going to be the final solution, so we'll have to wait and see what they come up with on Monday.
-During the work where the offense was backed up, the defense pretty much dominated. They were burned twice however on play action passes to the fullbacks. The defense is good, but still has a ways to go in terms of assignments. Throughout camp they've over-pursued and been beaten by good play action.
-Another point of empahsis on defense is making turnover opportunities count. Both Chad Greenway and Heath Farwell dropped INTs and could be seen afterwards doing push ups.
- Speaking of Ronyell Whitaker, he is a guy that has done really good things this camp, and possibly could be the 4th CB. He had a tough day today however, getting beat a few times deep. Overall however, look for Whitaker to play well when given the chance.
"It's hard to say where I fit in,"said Whitaker. "You got a lot of guys out here battling, but I think if I go ahead and play perfect technique football then I can fit in well, probably at the third or fourth corner spot."
"He was a lot better this morning than he was last night," said coach Childress. "So we'll see, again you always be cautious. It is the pre-season and if he's got something that's bugging him, we're not gonna put him out there."
If Smoot is unable to go, it'll be Devonte Edwards as the starter at CB.
-Bryant McKinnie had what looked to be a taped up boxing glove on today, trying to find something that works well enough for him to continue playing with the broken bone in his hand. He wasn't sure if that was going to be the final solution, so we'll have to wait and see what they come up with on Monday.
-During the work where the offense was backed up, the defense pretty much dominated. They were burned twice however on play action passes to the fullbacks. The defense is good, but still has a ways to go in terms of assignments. Throughout camp they've over-pursued and been beaten by good play action.
-Another point of empahsis on defense is making turnover opportunities count. Both Chad Greenway and Heath Farwell dropped INTs and could be seen afterwards doing push ups.
- Speaking of Ronyell Whitaker, he is a guy that has done really good things this camp, and possibly could be the 4th CB. He had a tough day today however, getting beat a few times deep. Overall however, look for Whitaker to play well when given the chance.
"It's hard to say where I fit in,"said Whitaker. "You got a lot of guys out here battling, but I think if I go ahead and play perfect technique football then I can fit in well, probably at the third or fourth corner spot."
